Cosmetic Application and Mixing System

ABSTRACT

Abstract of Disclosure 
     A cosmetic application and mixing system for liquid or semi-solid cosmetic products comprising, in combination: (a)  a reservoir for containing the cosmetic product, the reservoir having an internal diameter D1, and at least one open end having threaded engaging means having pitch P1 on the outer surface thereof; (b)  an applicator for the cosmetic product comprising a cosmetic applicator portion on a stationary curved rod attached to a cap, the cosmetic applicator portion having a free end, and the cap having threaded engaging means of pitch P1, designed to mate with threaded engaging means having pitch P1 on the outer surface of the reservoir, wherein when the cap is rotated to affix or remove it from the reservoir, the free end of the cosmetic applicator portion moves in a pitch circle having a pitch P2 and a diameter D2, wherein P1 = P2 and D1 &gt; D2.

Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority from provisional patentapplication serial number 60/171,430, filed December 22, 1999.

Background of Invention

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The invention is in the field of cosmetic application devices, inparticular, application devices which are also capable of mixing thecosmetic product found within the device.

[0004] One of the problems with liquid or semi-solid cosmetic productssold in cylindrical vials, such as liquid lipstick, eyeshadow, mascara,and the like, is that there is no way to mix the cosmetic in the vialprior to application. This causes considerable waste in addition toreducing shelf life of such products. For example, if mixing of cosmeticproducts in the vial prior to application were possible, cosmeticproducts that had separated would still be usable. In addition, thiswould reduce the problems inherent in the build up of cosmetic productalong the side walls of the vial, in places the cosmetic applicator doesnot reach as it is inserted and removed from the vial. A typical exampleis the standard mascara application system, which consists of a cap,rod, and brush assembly, which is inserted into a vial containing themascara. When the mascara rod and brush are inserted into the vial toload the brush with mascara, the stationary straight rod and brushremain in the center of the vial, permitting the mascara build up alongthe sides of the vial. Similar problems are encountered with cosmeticproducts such as lipsticks, eyeshadows, and other color cosmeticproducts dispensed from vial type containers with cap, rod, andapplicator assemblies.

[0005] Various types of cosmetic application systems with internalmixing capability are known in the art.

[0006] For example, U.S. Patent No. 2,793,012 teaches a nail enamelcontainer with a sediment stirrer. The stirrer forms a bent rod affixedto a cylindrical sleeve which, when rotated, causes the rod to movewithin the container and stir the enamel.

[0007] Other types of cosmetic application systems havecap/rod/applicator assemblies having jointed rods which are capable ofmoving from one position to another as the rod is inserted and removedfrom the cosmetic container. An example of this type of system isdisclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,328,282. One of the problems with jointedrods is that cosmetic tends to collect in the joints and sometimesinterferes with the operation of the joint. In addition, such systemsare expensive to manufacture, which limits their usefulness for massmarket cosmetic products.

[0008] Another type of cosmetic application systems for mascaras istaught in U.S. Patent No. 5,137,038, which illustrates a mascaracap/rod/brush assembly where the mascara brush itself is adjustable froma straight to curved position by rotating a cuff found on the cap.Often, however, these types of systems malfunction because the rotatingcuff which causes the brush to extend and retract is easily damaged.Also, this type of system requires internal components that areexpensive to manufacture.

[0009] U.S. Design 282,494 teaches another type of jointed applicatorwhich has a universal joint. The applicator is made from material thatenables the rod to move from a curved to straight position as desired bythe user.

[0010] None of the above references teach a cosmetic application systemwhere the cap/rod/brush assembly is stationary, yet is capable of mixingthe cosmetic found within the container provided certain geometricspecifications are observed.

[0011] There is a need for a cosmetic application and mixing systemwhich is capable of mixing the cosmetic prior to application. The systemmust be inexpensive, easy to manufacture, and effective for its intendedpurpose.

[0012] The object of the invention is to provide a cosmetic applicationsystem that is capable of mixing the cosmetic product found thereinprior to application.

[0013] Another object of the invention is to provide a cosmeticapplication and mixing system for liquid or semi-solid cosmeticproducts.

[0014] Another object of the invention is to provide a cosmeticapplication and mixing system that can be incorporated into standardmascara, lipstick, and color cosmetic product componentry.

[0015] Another object of the invention is to provide a cosmeticapplication and mixing system for cosmetic products dispensed incylindrical vials using cap, rod, applicator assemblies.

[0016] Another object of the invention is to provide a cosmeticapplication and mixing system where the degree of mixing is controlledby the cosmetic user.

Summary of Invention

[0017] A cosmetic application and mixing system for liquid or semi-solidcosmetic products comprising, in combination: (a) a reservoir forcontaining the cosmetic product, the reservoir having an internaldiameter D1, and an open end having threaded engaging means having pitchP1 on the outer surface thereof; (b) an applicator for the cosmeticproduct comprising a cosmetic applicator portion on a stationary curvedrod attached to a cap, the cosmetic applicator portion having a freeend, and the cap having threaded engaging means of pitch P1, designed tomate with threaded engaging means having pitch P1 on the outer surfaceof the reservoir, wherein when the cap is rotated to affix or remove itfrom the reservoir, the free end of the cosmetic applicator portionmoves in a helical pitch circle having a pitch P2 and a diameter D2,wherein P1 = P2 and D1 > D2.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0018] Figure 1: is a front perspective view of one type of cosmeticapplication system in accordance with the invention, in the closedposition.

[0019] Figure 2: is a cutaway view of the system of Figure 1.

[0020] Figures 3(A), (B), and (C): illustrates a number of embodimentsfor cosmetic applicators in accordance with the invention showingvariations in the curvature of the stationary rod.Figure 4: illustratesthe rotational movement of the cosmetic applicator as it is removed fromthe reservoir, and the helical pitch circle formed by the free end ofthe applicator.

[0021] Figure 5: illustrates the illustrates the reservoir with the capremoved.

[0022] Figure 6: is a close up view of the threaded engaging means foundon the outer surface of the reservoir.

[0023] Figure 7: is a cross sectional view taken across 5-5 of Figure 5.

[0024] Figure 8: is an enlarged view of the applicator showing an angledsurface.

[0025] Figure 9: is a cross sectional view taken across 1-1 of Figure 1.

[0026] Figure 10: illustrates another embodiment of the invention wherethe cosmetic product is mascara, and the applicator is a cap rod,mascara brush assembly.

Detailed Description

[0027]Figure 1 illustrates the general outward appearance of one type ofcosmetic application system in accordance with the invention. Theapplication system contains a reservoir 1 for cosmetic product having atleast one opening 2. Examples of suitable reservoirs may be described bytheir length (L) and Width (W) where L = 1-12 X W; or where W = 1-12 XL. In other words, the length of these reservoirs may range from one totwelve times the width of the reservoir or vice versa. Preferably, thereservoir 1 is a vial, more particularly a cylindrical vial. The lengthof the vial may range from one to ten times the width of the vial. Thereservoir may be made of any suitable synthetic thermoplastic materialsuitable for use with cosmetic products, including polypropylene,polyethylene, acrylonitrile butyl styrene, polyethylene terephthalate,polyvinyl chloride, and so on. In certain instances in may be desirableto have a reservoir made from vitreous materials such as glass.Preferably, the reservoir used in the system of the invention is madefrom a synthetic thermoplastic material. The cosmetic product 3 foundwithin the reservoir 1 may be any liquid or semi-solid cosmetic productsuch as mascara, lipstick, eyeshadow, cheek color, foundation makeup,concealer, and so on. The products which are best suited for use in thesystem of the invention are those that improve with mixing. Suitableproducts have representative viscosities in the range of about 25 to1,000,000 centipoise at 25^(o) C. The reservoir 1 has a relativelyconstant internal diameter 4 (see Figure 7) defined as D1. However,various different types of reservoirs may be used in accordance with theinvention. In general, the internal diameter of suitable reservoirs isnot critical so long as the cosmetic applicator functions in the mannerfurther described to mix the cosmetic product 3 found therein.Preferably, the reservoirs selected for use in the system will haveinternal diameters varying from about 0.2 to 2 inches, more preferably0.3 to 1 inch, most preferably from about 0.4 to 0.8 inch. The reservoir1 has at least one opening 2 having an outer surface 5 and an innersurface 6. On the outer surface 5 of the reservoir 1 are threadedengaging means 7 which are in a screw thread configuration havinghelices 8, the threaded engaging means having a helical pitch P1. Figure6 is a close up view of the reservoir showing the threaded engagingmeans 7 which are found on the neck 21 of the reservoir 1. The distancebetween successive helices 8 on the threaded engaging means is constantand is defined as P1.

[0028] The system further comprises an applicator for the cosmeticproduct 9 comprised of a cap 10, curved rod 11, and applicator portion12. The cap 10 has an inner surface 13 and an outer surface 14. On theinner surface 13 are threaded engaging means15 designed to mate with thethreaded engaging means 7 of the reservoir when the cap is affixed tothe reservoir 1. The curved rod 11, has a proximal end 16 and a distalend 17. The proximal end 16 is attached to the cap 10 inner surface 13.The curved rod 11 is stationary. The degree of bending found in the rodwill vary depending on the internal diameter of the reservoir used. Onthe distal end of the curved rod 11 is an applicator portion 12 for thecosmetic product 3 having a free end 3a. The applicator portion 12 maybe a flocked applicator, a mascara brush, or any other type of brush ordevice suitable for application of the cosmetic product 3 found withinthe reservoir. Preferably, the applicator portion 12 is a flockedapplicator. It is particularly preferred that the flocked applicatorhave an angled surface 18, as illustrated in Figure 8. The angledsurface 18 will preferably have an angle 19 ranging from about 10 to65^(o), more preferably about 35 to 50^(o) from a plane which isparallel to the broken line designated 19a in Figure 8.

[0029] When the cap 10 is affixed to the reservoir 1 by the consumer,the cap 10 is rotated as shown in Figure 4. This will cause the free end3a of the applicator 12 to move in a helical pitch circle having a pitchof P2 and a diameter D2. In other words, as the cap 10 is affixed to thereservoir 1, the free end 3a of the applicator moves in a screw threadmanner the screw thread having helices where the distance from helix tohelix in the screw thread defines the pitch P2 of the helical pitchcircle. Similarly, when the cap 10 is removed from the reservoir 1, thefree end 3a moves in a pitch circle in a direction opposite to thedirection of movement when the cap is being affixed. In both instancesP1 and P2 are identical.

[0030] As is seen in Figures 3(A) through (C), the curvature of the rod11 may occur at any place along the length of the rod 11. Generally D2/2is the radius of the circle formed by the rotational movement of thefree end 3a as the cap 10 is affixed or removed from the container. D2/2is a function of X, which is the distance from the proximal end of therod 16 to the point where the curve begins 20 and ø, which is the angleof the curve, and L which is the total length of the rod. With Lremaining constant, as X increases, ø correspondingly decreases, andvice versa, such that the radius of the circle D2/2 remains constant nomatter where the curve in the rod occurs. In comparing Figures 3(A)through (C) it can be seen that in all cases that D2/2 and L remainconstant, and X and øvary. Comparing Figures 3(A) and 3(B) it is seenthat with D2/2 and L remaining constant, X₁< X₂ and ø₁ > ø₂. Furthercomparing Figures 3(B) and 3(C), it is seen that with D2/2 and Lremaining constant, X₂ > X₃ and and ø₂ < ø₃.

[0031] The relationship between D2, X, L, and ø, may be expressed by thefollowing formula:

[0032] D2 = -2(L-X)Tan ø

[0033] For example, in Figure 3(A), if øis 170^(o), L= 2 inches and X1 =1 inch, then:

[0034] D2 = -2(2-1)Tan 170^(o) = -2(1)(-0.32)= 0.32 inch.

[0035] In the preferred embodiment of the invention øranges from 150 to176^(o), more preferably 160 to 174^(o), most preferably 171^(o). Insome instances, the rod 11 may be curved such that D2 = D1. This willenable the free end 3a to be in contact with the inner wall surface 21of the reservoir 1, moving in a helical pitch circle having a pitch ofP1 and a diameter of D2, wherein P1 = P2, and D1 = D2, to facilitatemixing of the cosmetic product 3 as the cap 10 is removed from thereservoir 1 by the consumer. In some cases it may be desirable that thefree end 3a is not in contact with the inner wall surface 21 of thereservoir 1, in other words, that D1 > D2. In the preferred embodimentof the invention, where D1 is within the preferred range of 0.1 to 1inch, and when D1 > D2, the distance between the free end 3a and theinner wall surface 21 will preferably range from 0.001 to 0.2 inches. Inthe preferred embodiment of the invention D1 = D2, which enables thefree end 3a to be in contact with the inner wall surface 21 of thereservoir 1, and thereby completely mix the cosmetic product 3.

[0036]Figure 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view taken across 1-1 ofFigure 1, showing the reservoir 1 with cosmetic product 3 therein, andthe manner in which then angled surface 18 of the applicator 12 ridesflush against the inner sidewall 21 of the reservoir (in this instanceD1 = D2).

[0037]Figure 10 illustrates another embodiment of the invention wherethe application system is for cosmetic applied with a brush, inparticular, mascara and the applicator is a brush. The free end 3a ofthe brush also moves in a pitch circle defined by P2 and D2, and P1 = P2and D1 > D2.

[0038] The cosmetic applicator system of the invention is a simple,economical, and effective component for dispensing cosmetic productsthat should be mixed prior to use. The mixing capability of the claimedcosmetic application system is obtained by maintaining the geometricspecifications and relationships taught herein.

Claims
 1. A cosmetic application and mixing system for cosmetic productscomprising, in combination: (a) a reservoir for containing the cosmeticproduct, the reservoir having an internal diameter D1, and at least oneopen end having threaded engaging means having pitch P1 on the outersurface thereof; (b) an applicator for the cosmetic product comprising acosmetic applicator portion on a stationary curved rod attached to acap, the cosmetic applicator portion having a free end, and the caphaving threaded engaging means of pitch P1, designed to mate withthreaded engaging means having pitch P1 on the outer surface of thereservoir, wherein when the cap is rotated to affix or remove it fromthe reservoir, the free end of the cosmetic applicator portion moves ina helical pitch circle having a pitch P2 and a diameter D2, wherein P1 =P2 and D1 > D2.
 2. The cosmetic system of claim 1 wherein the reservoiris a cylindrical vial.
 3. The cosmetic system of claim 2 wherein D1ranges from 0.1 to 2 inches.
 4. The cosmetic system of claim 3 whereinP1 and P2 range from 0.001 to 0.5 inch.
 5. The cosmetic system of claim1 wherein the cosmetic applicator portion is a flocked applicator. 6.The cosmetic system of claim 5 wherein the free end of the flockedapplicator has an angled surface on one side thereof.
 7. The cosmeticsystem of claim 6 wherein the angled surface forms about a 35 to 65^(o)angle to a plane which passes through the axis of the rod.
 8. Thecosmetic system of claim 6 wherein the angled surface is positioned onthe inner portion of the stationary curved rod.
 9. The cosmetic systemof claim 1 wherein D1 is 0.35 to 0.55 inch.
 10. The cosmetic system ofclaim 8 wherein the stationary curved rod is bent at an angle of 1 to20^(o).
 11. The cosmetic system of claim 10 wherein D1 = D2.
 12. Thecosmetic system of claim 11 wherein D1 > D2.
 13. The cosmetic system ofclaim 1 wherein the cosmetic product is lipstick.
 14. The cosmeticsystem of claim 1 wherein the cosmetic product is mascara.
 15. Thecosmetic system of claim 13 wherein the cosmetic applicator portion is amascara brush.
 16. The cosmetic system of claim 14 wherein the mascarabrush is made from twisted metal wire.
 17. The cosmetic system of claim1 wherein the stationary curved rod has a length L, and the rod is bentat an angle ø, and the the length of the rod up to the bend is X, andthe relationship between X, L, and øis expressed according to theformula: D2 = -2(L-X)Tan ø
 18. The cosmetic system of claim 17 wherein Lis 3 inches, X is 2 inches, and øranges from 160 to 176^(o).
 19. Thecosmetic system of claim 18 wherein øis 171^(o) and D2 is 0.32 inch. 20.A cosmetic application and mixing system for liquid or semi-solidlipstick products comprising, in combination: (a) a reservoir forcontaining the cosmetic product, the reservoir having an internaldiameter D1, and at least one open end having threaded engaging meanshaving pitch P1 on the outer surface thereof; (b) an applicator for thelipstick product comprising a stationary curved rod bent at an angle ø,having affixed thereto an applicator portion having a free end, said rodwith applicator portion having a total length (L), and wherein thelength of the rod up to the bend is X, and the cap having threadedengaging means of pitch P1, designed to mate with threaded engagingmeans having pitch P1 on the outer surface of the reservoir, whereinwhen the cap is rotated to affix or remove it from the reservoir, thefree end of the cosmetic applicator portion moves in a helical pitchcircle having a pitch P2 and a diameter D2, wherein P1 = P2 and D1 > D2,and wherein the relationship between D2, X, L, and øis expressedaccording to the formula: D2 = -2(L-X)Tan ø